KALAMAZOO, MI -- Larry Bell, president of Bell's Brewery Inc., knows more than a thing or two about imbibing.

He's also aware of the effects of a night out, namely a hangover.

As the state's biggest craft brewery gears up for the opening of its new brewhouse at the Comstock facility -- there will be public tours from noon to 5 p.m. on May 19-20 during American Craft Beer Week, according to the company's newsletter -- Bell shared his hangover prevention strategy and his unusual morning-after recovery drink.

"If you're going to have a few -- milk thistle and D vitamin. And drink water before you got to bed. You'll feel better than if you don't do those things," Bell said.

Bell, who said he's talked to his doctor about these preventative steps and received the doctor's OK, said milk thistle helps the liver process alcohol. Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, which can affect the bones.

In the morning, Bell said he drinks sauerkraut juice poured over ice and garnished with hot sauce, celery seed and Worcestershire sauce -- think a bloody mary, but instead of tomato juice, use sauerkraut juice.

Bell, 53, said cabbage is a liver cleanser -- "in theory, this works."

"I read about it 20 years ago or something. I kind of like it," he said.